Friday, June 24, 2011

Should I Buy An English Bulldog?

Buying an English Bulldog is not just buying a puppy. While all puppies require an investment of time and money, the bulldog can require more of both. Many of the traits we love in bulldogs contribute to medical problems. The bulldog's independent and somewhat stubborn nature will likely make training more difficult. If you just want a dog, then an English Bulldog is not for you.

Rescuing a dog from the pound might cost a couple of hundred dollars for spaying or neutering and necessary shots. There is little doubt you will love your puppy regardless of ancestry; which will probably be unknown. In this circumstance you have a dog with only a small investment.

But if your heart is set on an English Bulldog then prepare for a longer and much more expensive process. It is important to research breeders in order to make certain your future bulldog doesn't come from a puppy mill. After locating a reputable breeder, hopefully relatively close to home, it is a good idea to take a trip to their location.

A close inspection of the breeder's facilities and a look at both the female and male bulldogs is essential. It won't hurt to review the medical records of both dogs that either are, or are to be, the parents of your bulldog. You will want to know how often the females are bred; every other year may be best. Of course checking with other customers who have purchased bulldogs from the breeder is also a very good idea.

Instead of a couple of hundred dollars, an English Bulldog will likely cost a couple of thousand dollars. Prices for a purebred English Bulldog can range from a thousand dollars to well over three thousand. Of course the price is merely a down payment. That is true because of veterinary costs you could incur.

Let me provide you with the story of my current English Bulldog. He first had surgery to remove lashes which were growing into his eyes. At the same time he had soft palate surgery to make it easier for him to breath. All English Bulldogs are subject to breathing problems due to their physical structure.

Later he had knee surgery and emergency eye surgery for an ulcer. These medical costs ran into the thousands. We paid one thousand five hundred dollars for the dog and have close to five thousand dollars in his medical expenses.

Bulldogs often require special diets which means you can't buy just any food for them. They also frequently have skin and allergy problems. Even the healthiest bulldog will require more attention than the average dog. For example, their wrinkles have to be cleaned on a regular basis since they are subject to yeast infections.

An English Bulldog is a loyal companion good with both children and adults. They quickly become family members and you will truly love your bulldog. Bulldogs don't generally require a great deal of exercise. Playing with them for a few minutes several times a day is enough. Walks are never too long and definitely not in hot weather. Bulldogs make you, and everyone who sees them, smile.

If you can provide the care and time needed, than an English Bulldog is definitely for you. However, if there are doubts about your ability to properly care for one, please consider another pet.

About Me

Jack Kean is an author and columnist who frequently writes on a variety of topics. His web site, It's A Kean World is located at http://www.keanwriter.com You can see his other sites: http://www.dogsuppliesandtraining.yolasite.com and http://www.rvfunandfacts.yolasite.com